Trails & Hiking
Trails start at your door. Downtown Girdwood is your trailhead.
Featured Trails
From easy rainforest walks to serious alpine traverses — Girdwood has it all.
Winner Creek Trail
Girdwood's most popular hike. Rainforest walk through old-growth Sitka spruce to a hand-powered tram crossing over a gorge. A Girdwood classic.
Crow Pass Trail
The classic Alaska alpine traverse. Glaciers, alpine lakes, river crossings, and a historic mining cabin. Multi-day or fast single-day for experienced hikers.
Bird Ridge
Steep ridgeline hike off the Seward Highway with some of the best panoramic views in the Chugach. Above treeline quickly. Exposed — bring layers.
Virgin Creek Falls
Short, family-friendly walk through old-growth forest to a beautiful waterfall. Accessible and scenic — perfect for an easy morning or evening stroll.
Alyeska Mountain Trail
Access via the Alyeska aerial tram for a head start, or hike from the base. Alpine wildflowers in summer, glacier views, and mountain-top dining.
Glacier Creek Trail
Flat, forested trail along Glacier Creek. Great for families, morning walks, and trail running. Connects to the broader Girdwood trail network.
Trail Safety
Alaska trails require preparation. Here's what you need to know.
Bear Awareness
Carry bear spray. Make noise on trails. Store food properly. Bears are most active dawn, dusk, and during berry season.
Moose Encounters
Give moose a wide berth — they're large and can be unpredictable. Never approach or feed wildlife.
Weather Changes
Alaska weather shifts fast. Bring layers, rain gear, and sun protection. Check forecasts before heading out.
Tell Someone
Share your hiking plan. Cell service is limited or nonexistent on most trails. Carry a map or downloaded GPS.
Trail Conditions by Season
Full access. Long days (19+ hours of light). Best conditions. Wildflowers. Mosquitoes at lower elevations.
Excellent hiking. Fall colors. Cooler temps. Bear-active. Some upper trails close with early snow.
Most trails snow-covered. Snowshoe and XC ski access on lower trails. Short daylight hours.
Lower trails clearing. Muddy. Upper trails snow-packed through May. Avalanche risk in alpine zones.
Your trailside basecamp
Downtown Girdwood lodging — steps from the trails.